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cnbc.com
Paramount, California AG office reportedly plan to meet Monday to discuss settling WBD lawsuit
Paramount and the California A.G. office are set to meet Monday to discuss a settlement of the antitrust lawsuit over Paramount's Warner Bros. Discovery deal.
theguardian.com
The lesson from Canada’s collapsed trade talks with the US: negotiation may be futile
Breakdown shows Washington now prioritises its own interests over any semblance of shared economic ground‘No more!!!’: Trump lashes out after US-Canada talks devolve into trade warThe calamitous collapse of trade negotiations between Canada and the United States is a warning to nations worldwide that pursuing any kind of dialogue with the current US administration is doomed at the outset, according to observers who say this recent episode indicates seeking a fair deal is futile.Andrea Lawlor, an associate professor of political science at McMaster University in Ontario, said: “No matter the closeness of the historical relationship, the American administration has signalled that it now prioritises its interests above those of some sort of global economic coordination or harmony. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Ella Baron on AI and the drought – cartoon
Continue reading...
theguardian.com
The end of Latrobe Valley coal – in pictures
Once the economic lifeblood of the region, Latrobe Valley’s coal industry is in terminal decline. Jesse Thompson’s photographic project aims to document this period of rapid change and examine the legacy that is being left behind Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Iran-linked hackers blamed for cyber-attack that shut down UK power plant
Incident marks apparent escalation by Tehran in its in retaliation against UK over allowing US to use British basesHackers linked to Iran have been blamed for a cyber-attack that caused a British power plant to be temporarily shut down.The incident involved a small-scale energy generator, according to the UK government, which said that at no point was there a risk to the wider energy system. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Former Abercrombie CEO mentally fit for sex-trafficking trial, judge says
Michael Jeffries is ruled mentally competent to stand trial after being hospitalized for months for dementia symptomsThe former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch has been ruled mentally competent to stand trial as he faces sex-trafficking charges after being hospitalized for months for dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms.Michael Jeffries, who is 82 and free on bond for now, is scheduled to be tried in late October, alongside two co-defendants: his partner Matthew Smith and staffer James Jacobson. A pretrial hearing was slated for Thursday. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
CrossCountry cancels almost all rail services after power cut hits control centre
Transport secretary asks ‘publicly owned operators to lay on extra services where possible’CrossCountry has cancelled almost all of its train services in Great Britain after a power cut in Birmingham hit its control centre on Sunday.Most services have been cancelled until further notice, including routes from Glasgow to Edinburgh, Manchester to Birmingham, Cheltenham to Cardiff and Newcastle to Edinburgh. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Robots smash human track records, including Bolt's 100m sprint — video
Humanoid robots have smashed human track records at the five-day World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. Among the records broken was Usain Bolt's 9.58-second 100m, with a robot developed by the Beijing Innovation Centre of Humanoid Robotics finishing the sprint in 9.39 seconds. A robot developed by smartphone maker Honor completed the 100m track in 9.32 seconds in a test run. Now in its second year, more than 2,000 humanoid robots are participating in the games that are intended to showcase China's rapid progress in advanced robotics, as the technology race with the US heats up Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
CrossCountry cancels 'almost all' UK services after power cut
Customers say the disruption to virtually all UK CrossCountry services is the "worst case scenario".
theguardian.com
An AI ‘debt bomb’ crisis? No. This isn’t Enron 2.0 | Gene Marks
Fears of a datacenter buildout debt crisis are exaggerated. The risks are different than in the past and they are recoverableSome experts are warning of a looming “debt bomb” crisis because big datacenter builders such as Meta, Oracle, xAI and CoreWeave are not only raising billions to construct these facilities but are also not recognizing these long-term debt obligations on their balance sheets.Should we be concerned? No. I know because I’ve seen this movie before. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Iran’s foreign minister calls threat of new US economic sanctions ‘desperate’
Abbas Araghchi says country is unbowed but president Masoud Pezeshkian admits its people face ‘many problems’Iran’s foreign minister has dismissed the threat of a fresh round of US economic sanctions as a “desperate” ploy, even as its president acknowledged that the Iranian people are facing “many problems” amid Washington’s efforts to isolate and debilitate the country’s economy.Last week, Donald Trump announced a new campaign to increase the pressure on the Iranian economy, calling it “the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country”. The US Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, is expected to announce further punitive economic measures on Iran – which he has described as “the toughest sanctions in history” – on Monday. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
The PM is promising to fix our everyday annoyances – and I have a list to get him started | Emma Beddington
Andy Burnham hopes we’ll forget the big stuff if he sorts out our minor frustrations and low-level gripes. Pothole politics hasn’t won me over yet, but I know some changes that couldThis is a vulnerable confession, but I spend way too much time on the social media of the New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Whether he is seemingly effortlessly speaking Mandarin, hanging out with kids or charmingly accepting that he should wear a cycle helmet, the man with the million-watt smile is my antidepressant. (Even more vulnerable confession: I believe, irrationally, he is looking after my elder son, who lives there.)This means that I know all about Mamdani’s fight against what Business Insider recently deemed the “annoyance economy” – daily frustrations that make you poorer or drive you slowly, miserably mad. These include the absurd complexity of cancelling subscriptions; hidden fees; getting charged more for something you looked up last week, because of cookies; never being able to find a public toilet; and potholes. He has taken to responding when he gets tagged in people’s “Mamdani, fix this” posts to the point where Britons online are even jokily asking him to take on their problems. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Small UK power generator shut down after cyberattack linked to Iran: Telegraph
The U.K. government says the incident did not pose a risk to the country's energy system, adding that it briefed CEOs of companies in the sector with advice.
cnbc.com
After 10 years at United, CEO Scott Kirby is thinking big about the future of his airline from JFK to AI
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby talked to CNBC in a wide-ranging interview about his proposed airline megadeals, AI and the future of the carrier.
theguardian.com
Stores are selling Halloween stuff in August. Time has lost all meaning | Dave Schilling
Capitalism and the climate crisis are conspiring to destroy the concept of seasons. I’ll take solace in my pumpkin spiceHappy spooky season, everyone! Get those jack-o’-lanterns out, because Halloween is just around the corner!Just kidding, no, it’s not. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Personal care products are awash in unlabeled toxic chemicals, study finds
Even products labeled ‘eco’, ‘green’ or ‘natural’ can contain dangerous compounds including PfasCommon personal care products widely contain unlabeled toxic chemicals, results from a new peer-reviewed study suggest. The testing of more than 110 items ranging from shampoo to baby lotions found evidence of unlabeled toxic chemicals in about 85%.Many contained multiple ingredients known to be carcinogens or health hazards, and even 26% of products labeled “eco”, “green” or “natural” contained at least one dangerous compound. The products averaged more than three times as many chemicals than were listed on labels. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘No more!!!’: Trump lashes out after US-Canada talks devolve into trade war
PM Mark Carney says ‘we got attacked’ as tariffs come into force on items from hockey sticks to tongue depressorsThe lesson from Canada’s collapsed trade talks with the US: negotiation may be futileDonald Trump has hit back at Canada after a breakdown in negotiations plunged the two countries into a trade war.In his first public comments since negotiations collapsed on Friday in Washington, the US president wrote on social media: “Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!!” Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Jumpy bond markets make it clear: Trump risks driving US into debt crisis | Heather Stewart
Treasury secretary Scott Bessent’s attempt to calm bond markets is a sign of weakness not strength“Look, there’s nothing magic about that $40tn number,” the US Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, told CNBC insouciantly last week, as the country’s debt mountain surpassed another bleak record.Yet Bessent’s decision to intervene in government bond markets in an effort to combat soaring yields belied his studied calm in TV interviews – and reignited fears the US may be on the road to a debt crisis. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
Struggling households need more help with bills, energy industry says
Industry body Energy UK says the current support for households most in need does not go far enough.
bbc.co.uk
Mayors to get powers to overrule local councils on planning decisions
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the change was "essential" for helping mayors "effectively deliver new homes".
theguardian.com
Against the wind: despite Trump’s attacks, unions are fighting for good US clean energy jobs
Since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, a growing labor movement has addressed the climate crisis and economic inequalityRyan McElroen had spent years repairing the New York City subway underground when he got the opportunity to work in the middle of the ocean.“I had no views other than the darkness at work,” he said. “Then I went polar opposite.” Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘The line’s running half-empty’: Llanwern steelworks feels the heat from cheap steel imports
New quotas to protect UK firms and jobs appear to be having opposite effect in products such as galvanised steelAt Tata Steel’s factory in Llanwern, south Wales, production lines that should be running full-time are now falling quiet for parts of the day, with workers being put on to maintenance and cleaning work while machines sit idle.There aren’t enough orders to keep them running all the time, the company says, because of a surge of cheap steel coming from Asian countries that is threatening the viability of several UK sites that make similar products, and risk hundreds of jobs. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Mayors to get new powers over planning decisions under Burnham proposals
Move would allow mayors to greenlight large developments and have more say on national housing fundingAndy Burnham will give mayors new powers to take control of local planning decisions and greenlight large-scale developments in proposals to be presented this week.The move will allow mayors to “call in” the decisions and direct councils to take them forward or refuse them. They will also be able to grant upfront permission so developers can start building without having to apply. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘Pretty shambolic’: new EU border checks cause stress for UK travellers
Britons report that EES digital entry and exit system has led to frustration, visa mix-ups and long queuesOn top of fears about extreme heat and possible jet fuel shortages, Britons planning summer holidays in the EU this year had another thing to worry about – long queues and waiting times caused by the bloc’s new border checks.The EU digital entry and exit system (EES), which requires non-EU citizens to register and be photographed and fingerprinted on arrival and departure from the Schengen zone, has been technically in full force since April after launching last autumn, but has been beset by teething problems. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
London’s low emission zone is working – so why are cities around the world so cautious about clean air?
Similar initiatives have been launched from Barcelona to Bogotá, but they have misinformation, political pressure and vested interests stacked against themTen years ago, Alastair Harper was an advocate for young people’s health sitting in a stuffy meeting room in London planning an air pollution campaign. “My phone started buzzing,” he said. “I took the call, and then told the room I needed to leave immediately.“I had to get to UCLH [one of London’s major hospitals]. My own child was headed there in a blue-lit ambulance because she was struggling to breathe London’s toxic air.” Continue reading...
theguardian.com
UK orders reviews of franchising sector after Vodafone allegations
Two studies will be used to shape government policy amid claims about a former franchisee who took his own life Ministers have commissioned a pair of in-depth reports into how franchising businesses are policed in the UK, as the government considers introducing new laws after high-profile allegations about conduct in the sector.The action follows a Guardian investigation last December, which revealed claims that Adrian Howe, a former Vodafone employee who had agreed to start a franchise in 2018, had taken his own life after pressure from the FTSE 100 telecoms group. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
First Bus bans under-16s in Stoke-on-Trent travelling alone after 6pm after disorder
Company says decision comes after spate of antisocial behaviour since free travel scheme was introducedFor some, it is a quotidian nuisance that inevitably occurs when you are in the vicinity of teenagers. For others, it is an expression of modern-day lawlessness among young people.Whatever view you take, antisocial behaviour on public transport has become a hot debate – and with the introduction of free bus travel for kids aged 5 to 15 across England during August, matters have come to a head in Staffordshire. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
As U.S.-Canada trade talks collapse, Carney says retaliatory tariffs will start Sept. 8
New 50% Trump administration tariffs on some Canadian exports went into place after the U.S. and Canada failed to reach a deal on Friday.
bbc.co.uk
Les used a QR code to download a parking app - but it was a scam
Scammers set up a monthly subscription of £60 from Les Howard's account after he downloaded an app.
theguardian.com
Onshore windfarm applications hit 10-year high in England
Surge in proposals follows Labour’s lifting of de facto ban, with about 45 plans submitted in the year to MarchPlans for new onshore windfarms in England have reached their highest annual level in a decade, after the government overturned the Conservatives’ de facto ban in 2015.About 45 applications for new onshore windfarms were submitted in the year to March,according to a Guardian analysis of government data. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘Friday afternoon fraud’: warning for UK homebuyers on bank scams
Victims have lost tens of thousands – and in one case £300,000 – due to fake emails from solicitor or estate agentYou are poised to move house and are awaiting the solicitor’s instructions that things are ready to go and it is time to hand over your deposit. When the email arrives giving you their bank details, you set up the transfer and move the cash. And then the solicitor calls to ask where the money is.Conveyancing fraud involves criminals getting access to an email chain between homebuyers and their solicitors or estate agents and requesting payment to a bank account they control. Sometimes the solicitor has been hacked, but often the homebuyer has been the victim of a phishing exercise. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
Trump says Canada wants 'benefits' of being US state after trade talks collapse
Canada's PM said he was "reluctantly" announcing retaliatory tariffs and accused the US of starting a trade war.
theguardian.com
Drill, Burnham, drill? The oil basin that is a totem for Trump - and a headache for Britain’s new PM
North Sea oil, once the driving force of the UK economy, may be dwindling but it remains a symbol of prestige and a rich resource for political debateWhen oil was first discovered off the north-east coast of Scotland in September 1969, industry folklore has it that the duty superintendent on the rig carefully poured it into a pickle jar commandeered from the canteen and took it back to Amoco’s Great Yarmouth office in Norfolk. There, it was emptied into an ash tray, sniffed and then set alight.From that modest start, North Sea oil – as the huge basin of oil and gas reserves quickly became known – emerged as a driving force of the British economy and a symbol of national power and renewal as the UK emerged from the Opec oil crisis. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
Iran-linked hackers behind cyber attack that shut down power plant, reports say
The government says at no point was there a risk to the UK's energy system during the attack in July.
theguardian.com
Heathrow expansion ‘is threat to England’s largest surviving medieval barn’
Exclusive: campaigners warn 600-year-old New Barn at Harmondsworth could be ‘shaken to pieces’ by vibrationsSix hundred years after it was built, England’s largest surviving medieval timber-framed barn could now be “shaken to pieces” by aircraft vibrations, campaigners warn.The public has until 1 September to submit objections to the Heathrow airport expansion, which could threaten the survival of the New Barn at Harmondsworth, considered a remarkable example of medieval architecture. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Nvidia customers reportedly warned about AI-related price hikes
The chipmaker has told some of its largest customers that the prices of servers containing its AI chips could move more than 15% higher, Bloomberg News reported.
cnbc.com
Trump reshuffled his portfolio in June, selling names like Meta and buying Berkshire Hathaway
President Donald Trump disclosed just over 1,000 financial transactions in the month of June in what appears to be broad reshuffling of his portfolio.
theguardian.com
Infantino angers Concacaf nations by hijacking meeting in Caribbean
Gianni Infantino used opportunity to lobby for supportFifa president was asked to stay away from CFU meetingGianni Infantino has risked alienating numerous Concacaf nations, whose support he is seeking in his re-election campaign, by hijacking a meeting of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) to announce Fifa-funded development projects for the region with millions of dollars that had been delayed for months.Multiple sources attending the CFU meeting in the Dominican Republic said many of the Concacaf members were infuriated by Infantino’s behaviour, particularly as he had been asked to stay away by their president, Victor Montagliani. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
40,000 bottles of eye drops across the US recalled over issues with sterility of product
Prestige Brand Holdings has voluntarily recalled a batch of its Clear Eyes eye drops after FDA alertNearly 40,000 bottles of eye drops are being pulled from store shelves across the US over concerns about potential contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Prestige Brand Holdings, based in Tarrytown, New York, has voluntarily recalled 39,060 bottles of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief eye drops because of a “lack of assurance of sterility”, an FDA enforcement report states. The FDA classified the action as a Class II recall, defined on the agency’s website as a moderate-risk situation “in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote”. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Meta is the latest tech giant to land in her courtroom. Meet Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has presided over a series of landmark tech trials and is now overseeing a case that could have a huge impact on Meta's future.
theguardian.com
Auntie v influencers: why YouTubers are ready for battle with the BBC
Content creators are fighting proposal to boost traditional broadcasters in video platforms’ all-powerful algorithmsThe millions who subscribe to the content creator Simon Squibb’s social media channels are usually delivered tips and hacks on how to turn their dream business idea into reality. But they were recently presented with something completely different.In an Instagram post entitled “the government wants to control YOU”, Squibb issued an urgent call to arms. He asked his followers to fight against a proposal that he said could force content from the BBC and other traditional broadcasters into their social media feeds and recommendations whether they liked it or not. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘Penchant for bling’: can Sports Direct’s Mike Ashley take a bigger slice of luxury retail?
Frasers billionaire bought Harvey Nichols and increased Hugo Boss stake despite tough times for high-end storesWhat billionaire doesn’t love to splash the cash on a luxury item? Some may buy watches or yachts, but Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley has been snapping up entire brands.Harvey Nichols is the latest bauble to drop into his shopping basket after his company bought the Knightsbridge department store out of administration earlier this month. It sits beside a large slice of Hugo Boss, a chunk of Mulberry, a snippet of Burberry, the remains of Agent Provocateur and the entire Flannels and House of Fraser chains. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Diamonds for sale: lab-grown gem auctions are all over TikTok right now, but some aren’t happy about it
Streamed auctions offer a cheap way to buy the precious gems, but experts warn that quality is not guaranteedThe first time Andrea Greenhill came across a livestream auction for lab-grown diamonds while scrolling on TikTok, she was stunned. While the diamond engagement ring her husband proposed with years ago had cost thousands of dollars, these loose lab-grown diamonds were selling in seconds at a fraction of the price.“I have two rings that are both natural diamonds and cost a fortune,” she said. I saw the prices they were going for in the auctions, and I was like, “This is insanity.’” Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Inside Coca-Cola’s secretive innovation labs: How the beverage giant wants to automate dirty soda and refreshers
From McDonald's to Wendy's, longtime Coke customers have been expanding their beverage offerings to boost their profit margins.
bbc.co.uk
Taxi drivers urge council to agree 8% fare hike
Taxi fares could rise by 8% to help drivers combat rising fuel prices and the cost of living.
cnbc.com
Ahead of tough new U.S. sanctions, Iran criticizes 'extraterritorial sovereignty'
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC on Thursday that the proposed economic measures will likely negate the need for major U.S. military operations.
theguardian.com
Plug-in solar: could a low-cost panel cut your bills?
Britons will be able to buy ‘balcony’ systems they can install themselves from 27 August thanks to rule changeDespite this summer bringing hours of sunshine, many Britons have been unable to cash in on free electricity generated by the sun. Rooftop solar panels are usually out of the question if you live in a flat or rent your home, and the cost has made them prohibitive to many more households.However, this could be about to change because next week the first wave of low-cost “plug-in” solar panels will go on sale in Great Britain. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Hook, hold, harvest and hide: Meta’s alleged strategy laid out in first week of landmark trial
In trial that opened on Tuesday, California and 28 other states accused the company of designing addictive sites and violating laws protecting children’s privacyMeta’s business can be boiled down to four words that begin with the letter H: hook, hold, harvest, hide, according to a lawyer who is prosecuting the world’s largest social media company.The owner of Facebook and Instagram “hooks” in users, “holds” them on its platforms for as long as possible, “harvests” their data and then “hides” the truth from the public, she argued. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Why am I called The Black Farmer? Because there are so few of us in Britain. I’d like that to change | Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones
Running a farm is tough – TV’s Clarkson’s Farm shows that – but I know many minorities would love the chance. And we would all benefit Who’d be a farmer? Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon is great entertainment but it also gives some indication of the stresses and challenges behind the farm gate. Would anyone who lacked the significant alternative income that Clarkson is lucky to have want that? Well, actually, yes.I’m an entrepreneur who owns a farm, as opposed to hands-on running the small one I bought 25 years ago, but as I look around the industry, I’m struck by a significant fact: the very reason I can be known as the Black Farmer is because I am such a rarity that it makes me readily identifiable. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘The worst part is the guilt’: the owners who fear dog food caused pets’ eye problems
In the week that Years recalled all of its fresh meals, concerns grow about a potential link to dogs’ health conditions“It’s been horrible – Chester developed sudden red and gunky eyes in May,” said Elizabeth, whose six-year-old cavachon “can’t open his eyes” on many days.The 29-year-old civil servant is one of a number of people who contacted the Guardian because they are concerned about a potential link between a recalled dog food and their pet’s eye condition. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Subterranean salad: underground farmers seek solution to food crisis in disused UK mines
Researchers in North Yorkshire feel the clock ticking as they aim to transform British food productionIt has the vibe of a Bond villain’s underground lair but the workers in hi-vis and helmets aren’t weighing and packing hard drugs or parts for a death laser. It’s pak choi and lettuce.More than 1,000 metres down, researchers in North Yorkshire have created the world’s deepest underground farm and are running trials for a project that could transform UK food production. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
Not 'poor enough': Do people use London's pay-it-forward schemes?
The schemes are in place to help people who are struggling with the cost of living.
theguardian.com
‘It exists only for pleasure’: does ice-cream have a future in the age of wellness fads and weight-loss drugs?
As fitness-conscious consumers turn away from processed foods, the industry is scrambling for new ideas, including nutrient-rich lollies and protein-packed tubs. Will they take the fun out of this summer treat?Last month, I stood in the biggest ice-cream factory in Britain and watched a 5-metre Viennetta mint-flavoured ice-cream cake get made. The factory – which is owned by the Magnum Ice Cream Company and produces nine different brands of ice-cream – is based in an enormous building in Gloucester, where the air is thick with the scent of custard. I walked past the Twister and Solero sections on my way in, through clouds of tangy fruit, before arriving at the Viennetta assembly line, where everything smelled minty fresh. A Viennetta is built on a conveyor belt by a fully automated system, and watching it take shape was oddly hypnotic. Every few inches a nozzle attached to the belt squirted out a frilly layer of mint ice-cream, then another nozzle smoothed a flat layer of vanilla on top of that, then came a squirt of chocolate sauce, and it was back to frilly mint again. On and on it went, layer upon layer, popping out finished Viennettas at the end of the line at a rate of 200 cakes every 60 seconds.A slop bucket full of Viennetta overrun stood at the side of the conveyor belt and I fought a strong urge to squelch my fingers into it. Later, the factory operations manager allowed me to push my whole hand into the slop bucket up to the wrist and then lick my hand at a sink, before washing it and resuming the tour. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Would even an AI disaster on the scale of Hiroshima be enough to make humankind protect itself? I fear not | Timothy Garton Ash
It’s clear here in Silicon Valley that AI is advancing faster than humans’ ability to control it. That means even sober prophecies seem optimisticHere in Silicon Valley, the experts think that within the next couple of years we’ll see an extraordinary takeoff for artificial intelligence. “Welcome to the foothills of the singularity,” as a Stanford University friend greeted me. More prosaically, the imminent breakthrough is described as “recursive self-improvement” – the point at which AI itself trains each successive model of AI, resulting in an exponential development to something which, in many significant respects, is more intelligent than us humans.As Robert Wright puts it in his book The God Test: “Never before has the near-term future … held such a wide array of not-implausible paths for humankind that would be so wildly transformative.” But will this be heaven or hell? Heaven, says Elon Musk, who predicts “an age of amazing abundance” – although he also sees a 10-20% chance of killer robots murdering us all. Hell is more likely according to Geoffrey Hinton, one of the intellectual founding fathers of AI. “My intuition is, we’re toast,” he told an interviewer in 2023. And talking to Sebastian Mallaby, author of The Infinity Machine, a book about the quest for superintelligence, Hinton estimates p(doom) – the probability of human extinction – at 50%, “because I haven’t got a clue how to estimate the real number”. “As soon as evolution [of AI] kicks in, we’re fucked,” he adds cheerfully. But whether it’s God or Godzilla, artificial superintelligence is just around the corner.Timothy Garton Ash is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Premium bonds: more chance of win as NS&I ups prize fund rate again
Savings bank estimates there will be 308,000 more prizes available in September draw than the month beforePremium bond holders will have more chances of winning prizes after changes announced this week.From September there will be more prizes up for grabs for the 22 million people who hold the government-backed savings bonds. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Six investors reveal the biggest market risks — and one strategy they agree on
Investors see different risks threatening markets, but broadly agree that traders should diversify beyond recent winners.
bbc.co.uk
'We have more work to do', says Canada negotiator as US trade deadline looms
Negotiations to finalise a deal between the US and Canada are going down to the wire ahead of a Friday night deadline.
cnbc.com
As GOP warns data centers put Ohio Senate seat at risk, Husted defends energy policy
Vice President JD Vance joined Sen. Jon Husted and other GOP leaders at a Middletown, Ohio, steel plant, as data center fears loom.
bbc.co.uk
More students planning to live at home for university over 'insane' living costs
Students like Jessica say they worry about missing out on student life, but feel they have no choice but to stay at home.
cnbc.com
Trump to allow import of 300,000 metric tons of ground beef without tariff
Beef prices in the U.S have soared in 2026 due to a reduction in the nation's cattle herd.
cnbc.com
Anthropic IPO filing will show AI backlash as a risk factor, sources say
Anthropic is poised to debut on the stock market at a time when the public is increasingly upset about data centers and is fearful about AI taking jobs.
bbc.co.uk
Watch: How does the US national debt affect consumers around the world?
The debt has more than doubled in a decade to reach a milestone $40tn (£29.4tn), Treasury figures show.
cnbc.com
Longer-dated Treasury yields rise as Bessent's bond buyback rally fizzles out
Concerns over the Treasury Department's debt repurchase program continue to weigh on markets.
cnbc.com
Bitcoin surges 22% for the week as investor optimism floods back
The flagship digital currency has enjoyed a strong week boosted by several contributing factors.
cnbc.com
Oil prices are little changed after Iran's president indicates Tehran wants war to end soon
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC on Thursday that Washington will impose the "toughest sanctions in history" against Iran.
cnbc.com
Tesla recalls 3 million vehicles in China over doorhandle safety, driver monitoring
Tesla will voluntarily recall about 3 million of its vehicles in China to address doorhandle safety concerns and deficient driver monitoring systems.
cnbc.com
Kalshi traders think the bitcoin rally could end the year near current levels
Speculators on the prediction market platform think it's most likely that the cryptocurrency will end 2026 close to where it's now trading.
bbc.co.uk
US borrowing costs rise as attempts to ease rates prove short-lived
Economists said there were ongoing concerns over the level of borrowing as national debt passed $40tn.
theguardian.com
Work-life balance and Saint Monday | Brief letters
Changing weekends | The Sussexes’ security | Brotherly beard wars | A collective sigh | Lady DagenhamJess Cartner-Morley writes about the changing nature of the weekend (16 August). In the 19th century, Saint Monday was a key feature of working-class railway excursions. There were many complaints, but a correspondent in the Birmingham Daily Post in 1860 commented that labourers who were being lectured about not working on Mondays might be compared with MPs who did not start work in the Commons until Thursdays, and that the workers actually achieved their targets despite taking Mondays off.Dr Susan MajorYork• On the vexed question of who will pay for the Sussexes’ security on their return to the UK (Report, 20 August), maybe that nice Mr Farage could bung them a few quid?Andrew PlatmanBeckenham, London Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Broadcom debt deal expected to reach upwards of $70 billion, sources say
Broadcom is in talks to raise upwards of $70 to $80 billion in debt for a chip financing deal, CNBC's David Faber reported on Friday.
cnbc.com
How one Silicon Valley firm is seizing an opportunity from Premier League soccer's gambling ad clampdown
Premier League clubs have removed betting brands from shirt fronts, opening new sponsorship opportunities while bookmakers shift spending elsewhere.
cnbc.com
Gold rebounds as bond jitters, debt fears and weaker dollar revive bullion demand
Gold is rebounding as investors weigh U.S. debt concerns, a weaker dollar and stubbornly high Treasury yields.
cnbc.com
No more doom scrolling or Instagram Stories? A Meta trial loss could end the social media we know
"These trials are often compared to the Big Tobacco lawsuits of the 90s, and the outcome will likely be analogous as well," one analyst told CNBC.
theguardian.com
Brazil’s vast iron mine that supplies the world and fractures the Amazon – in pictures
The Grand Carajás project has made the country a mining superpower, but communities living in its shadow face pollution, displacement and silenced histories Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
Royal Mail misses delivery targets again but hails 'encouraging' signs
The struggling firm said it had improved its performance but missed regulator-set delivery targets.
cnbc.com
NATO member Romania scrambles F-16 fighter jets to destroy drone near critical European gas project
It comes weeks after Romania’s Air Force destroyed a Russian drone in its airspace.
bbc.co.uk
Millennials have found it hard to buy homes – but things may be turning a corner
Twenty-somethings are much less likely to own a home than previous generations. But data suggests things may be improving.
bbc.co.uk
UK borrows more than expected in July as Healey prepares for first Budget
Chancellor John Healey said the government is 'committed to meeting our fiscal rules'
cnbc.com
Chinese humanoid robots' biggest obstacle: Humans are still (mostly) better
Humanoid robots still struggle to perform as efficiently as humans in most labor scenarios.
cnbc.com
Samsung plans up to $80 billion in shareholder returns after SK Hynix buyback
Samsung Electronics plans shareholder returns totaling 90 trillion won to 110 trillion won, including about 30 trillion won in third-quarter cash dividends.
bbc.co.uk
Why the US economy is ringing alarm bells
The US hit a debt milestone this week, but just how worried should we be about the world's largest economy?
cnbc.com
'A delicate dance': JD Vance says economic pressure is the best way to achieve Washington's objectives in Iran
Vance said "what has been true over the last couple of weeks is they felt a lot more pressure than we have."
cnbc.com
Labubu maker Pop Mart shares fall as key ex-China sales data drop, Citi cuts price target
Pop Mart shares fall after announcing first-half earnings.
bbc.co.uk
Panama Canal to cut number of ships passing through due to El Niño
The crucial waterway's operator says low rainfall caused by the ocean pattern had led to the decision.
bbc.co.uk
Couples share their biggest money disagreements
Candles, haircuts, a Tesla... this week we're asking couples in London: "What's the biggest money disagreement in your relationship?"
cnbc.com
U.S. bond intervention is like 'paying your mortgage with your credit card,' JPMorgan's Sullivan says
The U.S. government's efforts to manage pressure in the Treasury market risk merely shifting the problem down the road, according to JPMorgan's James Sullivan.
bbc.co.uk
How much could Trump's 'economic D-Day' hurt Iran?
Iran has so far proved adept at finding ways around years of already punishing sanctions on its economy.
bbc.co.uk
How landscape gardening is being electrified
The switch to quieter electric equipment is not going as fast as some would like.
bbc.co.uk
The teen entrepreneur transforming farm management
The app was designed to give farmers more time with their families by making the business more manageable.
bbc.co.uk
Stifling heat and broken toilets: TUI River Cruise passengers tell of their holiday hell
Holidaymakers tell the BBC they paid for luxury breaks but faulty air conditioning left them in sweltering heat.
bbc.co.uk
Trump vows tougher economic measures on Iran and supporting countries
It comes after a 60-day ceasefire expired on Monday, with no sign of a diplomatic or military off-ramp to the conflict.
bbc.co.uk
Walmart sales under strain as US shoppers pull back
High gas prices and weaker pharmacy sales pushed Walmart's growth to its slowest pace in six years
bbc.co.uk
Reform UK proposes tax rebates for firms to boost apprenticeships
Suella Braverman also advised student's "not to get ripped off by the great university scam".
bbc.co.uk
Bernard Matthews confirms closure of Derby factory
Bernard Matthews Foods says its Shaftesbury Street factory will close by the end of 2026.
cnbc.com
Bessent says Treasury buyback operation could be more than $4 billion
Bessent said his department is going "make a market" in the longer-dated securities where yields have been surging lately.
bbc.co.uk
Danone €1bn takeover of Huel approved by watchdog
French firm says the acquisition of Huel will help it grow in the nutritional sector.
bbc.co.uk
Travelodge boss resigns as chain tackles security after sex assault at hotel
Jo Boydell had been criticised for the company's handling of issues with its safety and security.
bbc.co.uk
US national debt passes $40tn after doubling in a decade
It comes after the interest rate on 30-year bonds reached the highest level in almost 20 years.
bbc.co.uk
Founder of collapsed Chinese property giant Evergrande sentenced to life in prison
Hui's sentencing marks a key moment in the fallout from Evergrande's collapse, which shook China's property sector.
bbc.co.uk
Little Moons co-founder: Don't wait for your product to be perfect
The mochi ice cream company co-founder shares her top tips, job highs and lows, and what a perfect Sunday looks like.
bbc.co.uk
I quit my £80,000 job to make ice cream - here's how
The co-founder of Little Moons shares her advice for anyone thinking about starting a business of their own.
cnbc.com
Cancer vaccine from Moderna, Merck shows promise in late-stage trial; both stocks soar
The combination regimen significantly extended the time patients lived without their melanoma returning, compared with Keytruda alone.
bbc.co.uk
The critical tech staying safe by going underground
The war in Ukraine has spurred people to consider putting vital infrastructure underground.
bbc.co.uk
'I used food banks while my ex owed thousands in child maintenance'
Parents have told BBC Panorama the agency tasked with helping to secure financial support for children after separation or divorce is driving them to breaking point.
bbc.co.uk
Business Daily
Amid economic uncertainty, workers are more cautious about taking their next career step
bbc.co.uk
Protein or pickled garlic? What's new in ice cream
There's a constant battle in ice cream to come up with new flavours and to keep costs down.
bbc.co.uk
Why Japanese firms are being so slow to use AI
Japanese risk aversion and conservatism blamed for slow AI take-up by the country's business sector.
bbc.co.uk
Tokenomics: Why making AI pay is tricky
Buyers of AI services are struggling to control costs and sellers are not sure how much to charge.
bbc.co.uk
'I started in my 20s and made £8,000': Why women are often better investors than men
Women can make higher returns but only about a quarter of UK women have investments, compared with about 40% of men.
bbc.co.uk
'You could smell someone' who worked at Raleigh
The company was more than just a employer. For years, it was part of the fabric of Nottingham.
bbc.co.uk
Why airlines are warning over lithium-ion batteries
The airline industry wants passengers to be careful when travelling with lithium ion batteries.
bbc.co.uk
Argos is getting a makeover - but can it attract new shoppers?
The retailer has been around for 50 years but struggled to compete with newer rivals such as Amazon. Can its new owners turn it around?
bbc.co.uk
Why the UK is dithering over what to do about e-scooters
Why is it taking so long for the government to regulate them, and what are the consequences of delay?
bbc.co.uk
Why Gen Z are planning for life without a state pension
Many younger people do not believe the state pension will exist when they are older
bbc.co.uk
The furious dispute over what caused Air India flight 171 to crash
The final conclusions of the investigation have yet to be published, although more could become apparent in the coming days.
bbc.co.uk
How the High Street became a window on our political instability
High Streets have declined in recent years. What does this tell us about the UK?
bbc.co.uk
The £5 coffee that tells a story of global economic turmoil
Coffees at some city centre outlets now cost £5. It's a story of tariffs, the climate, Gen Z cultural tastes, and savvy coffee farmers playing the market, writes Faisal Islam
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